The Cleveland Clinic recently posted a blog about drug-free ways that people can combat headaches. It is noteworthy that a major, internationally renowned healthcare system would endorse taking a drug-free approach to headache care is a good sign, especially in light of a recent study showing that doctors are less often recommending these types of remedies for headaches and tending toward imaging and prescriptions.

Although they did offer some good suggestions, there was still one major drug-free headache treatment that they failed to include.

Cleveland Clinics Recommendations

The Cleveland Clinic recommended four different drug-free methods for treating headaches, and all of them are good.

Eat Frequently

The authors note that small, frequent meals can help keep blood sugar stable, and notes that the Mediterranean diet works well with a numerous small meals approach while maintaining a healthy weight and promoting heart health.

Avoid Dietary Triggers

It’s important to understand whether there are certain foods that can cause your headaches. Some more common ones are caffeine, MSG, nitrates, sulfites, and artificial sweeteners. A new study also points to excess sodium as a powerful headache trigger as well.

If you don’t know your food triggers, keep a headache diary to track them down.

Get Good Nutrition

Another important insight is that just because you’re eating, it doesn’t mean you’re getting all the nutrients you need. A nutritional deficiency can often cause headaches.

Manage Stress

We know that stress can lead to headaches (as well as teeth clenching). There are lots of natural approaches to stress management that can be used to ensure you don’t suffer from excess stress.

A Neglected Approach

But what the Cleveland Clinic didn’t note is that TMJ treatment is also a drug-free, natural approach to combatting headaches. Many headaches, including tension headaches and migraines, can be caused, triggered, or worsened by imbalances in the jaw joint system. By restoring balance to the jaw joint, you might experience fewer and less severe headaches.

If you think that TMJ might be partly to blame for your headaches, we can help. Please call (843) 706-2999 for an appointment with a TMJ dentist at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry in the Hilton Head area.